Finance and debt management
Jump to: Which banks currently let me block gambling transactions?
Gambling may seem like the answer to money problems or a way to make money to afford some luxuries. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to make money – the longer you gamble, the more you will lose. The chances of a big win are very small, and never guaranteed.
If you’ve lent money to a gambler or borrowed money to gamble, just thinking about your finances might make you feel overwhelmed and stressed. If you are facing financial difficulties because of your own or someone else’s gambling, getting your finances under control is an important step.
Managing your finances
If there is someone you trust, such as partner, a close friend or family member, it might be a good idea to consider handing over control of your finances to them temporarily.
This may help you to start to address your gambling issues, but remember this is not likely to be a permanent solution. Also think carefully about how you might behave if the urge to gamble is particularly strong. If there is any potential that the person who is looking after your finances would be at risk at these times, then this isn’t a safe option for you or them. Call us on 0808 8020 133 or live chat if you would like to talk this through.
If you’re helping someone who struggles with gambling, helping them to manage their finances is an important and positive step for them to regain control. Make sure this is the right for you – as we mention above, consider how the gambler may behave towards you when the urge to gamble is particularly strong. If you have concerns about whether that’s the right option for your situation, you can talk to us about it.
If a gambler has more than one bank account, aggregator apps (e.g. Money Dashboard, Emma) can help a trusted person view all gambler’s accounts in one place, including credit card and savings accounts. Check if you can access these services via your browser, as mobile apps may require fingerprint or Face ID to unlock.
For more information on third party mandates (letting someone have formal control of your bank account) you can also find information here via the Money Advice Service >>
Which banks currently let me block gambling transactions?
The list below shows which financial services organisations in the UK currently offer gambling blocks on debit cards (as of November 2020). Please note that gambling transactions on credit cards are now banned in Great Britain.
Bank | Via | Switched off via | Find out more |
---|---|---|---|
Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and MBNA) |
App; Telephone | App; Telephone (Takes 48 hrs to deactivate) | Lloyds Bank: Click here
Halifax: Click here Bank of Scotland: Click here MBNA: Click here |
HSBC | App In-Branch Telephone |
App; In-Branch; Telephone (Takes 24 hrs to deactivate) | Click here |
Monzo | App; Web chat; Telephone |
Speak to customer support via in-app chat (48 hrs to deactivate) | Click here |
Starling Bank | App | App – 48 hrs to deactivate | Click here |
Barclays | App; Telephone; In Branch |
App; In-Branch; Telephone (72hrs to deactivate) | Click here |
Santander | If you have a Santander Mastercard, you can block gambling transactions in the mobile banking app |
Santander banking app or via secure chat (Immediate deactivation) | Click here |
RBS / NatWest | In Branch; Telephone; App | In-Branch; Telephone; App 48 hrs to deactivate |
Click here |
Cashplus | App; Telephone | Telephone | Click here |
First Direct | Via the app | App (24 hours to deactivate) | Click here |